High Court Set to Deliver Verdict on Yameen’s Appeal in Money Laundering Case Today

The High Court has announced that the verdict in the appeal lodged by former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom against his conviction for money laundering and bribery related to the sale of V. Aarah for tourism development will be delivered today.

The verdict is expected to be disclosed in the afternoon, although no specific time has been provided on the High Court’s website.

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Yameen, who held office from 2013 to 2018, was sentenced to an 11-year prison term for money laundering and bribery offences linked to the V. Aarah deal on December 26, 2022.

On October 1, Yameen was relocated from Maafushi Prison to his residence in Male’ City, following the victory of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, who was supported by Yameen, in the presidential election runoff. The then-president-elect had appealed for Yameen’s transfer from prison to home to then-President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

Shortly after Muizzu’s inauguration, Yameen parted ways with the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and initiated the establishment of a new political entity, the People’s National Front (PNF).

Subsequently, the Maldives Correctional Service relaxed the conditions of Yameen’s house arrest, permitting him to venture outside for exercise and other activities.

Despite repeatedly violating the terms of his house arrest by attending political gatherings, Yameen has not faced repercussions from the Corrections authorities. The National Integrity Commission is currently investigating the failure of Corrections to take action against Yameen.

The release of Yameen has been a key promise of Muizzu’s electoral campaign. Criticism has been directed at Muizzu and his administration for allowing Yameen to remain under house arrest.

Muizzu reiterated his commitment to fulfilling his electoral pledges, affirming that he does not interfere with the judiciary. He stated that Yameen’s fate lies in the hands of the judiciary.